FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 28, 2007
Contact: K.E. Schwab
724-738-2199
karl.schwab@sru.edu

Slippery Rock University plans regional potters conference

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Val Cushing, one of the nation’s most respected potters, will offer a free, hands-on workshop to open the Slippery Rock University Potters Guild’s Regional Conference on Ceramic Arts April 13-14.

The conference, open to the general public, will offer a demonstration and talk by Cushing beginning at 1 p.m. April 13 in SRU’s Pottery Studio. Cushing’s works, alongside those by students, faculty and alumni ceramists, will be displayed in the Martha Gault Art Gallery in Maltby Center beginning at 6 p.m.

A hands-on workshop takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 14 in the Pottery Studio. The guild will supply potter’s clay. 

Cushing, a native of Rochester, N.Y., is a functional potter and firm adherent of the wheel-thrown utilitarian vessel. He has retained function, rather than sculptural ideas in his pottery, turning out bowls, pitchers, casseroles and storage jars, while maintaining an artistically fresh and adventurous flavor.

He received his bachelor of fine arts and his master of fine arts degrees from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. He has taught pottery at Alfred since 1957 and in 1962 was a founding member of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts.

Cushing, who has received a Fulbright grant and a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship, has exhibited his work across the U.S., including a recent display at Clemson University. 

The conference is funded by the SRU Student Government Association, Co-operative Activities and William McKinney, dean of the College of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts. 

Richard Wukich, art professor at SRU and ceramist, organized the event. For details call 724-738-2020.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.

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